JP2011156061A - Game program, game device, and game control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a realistic image that shows an accidental event such as out-of-focus by focusing on a main object M1 after focusing on an auxiliary object without directly focusing on the main object M1. <P>SOLUTION: The program is set as a main object M1. At least one of an object apart a predetermined distance or less from a virtual camera, and an object apart a predetermined distance or more from a virtual camera is selected, on the basis of the main object M1, as an auxiliary object. The at least one auxiliary object and the main object M1 are focused in this order so that the main object M1 is focused last. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program, and more particularly to a game program capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera. The present invention also relates to a game apparatus that can execute the game program, and a game control method that is controlled by a computer based on the game program.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a game program for displaying an internal situation of a virtual space by photographing an object arranged inside the virtual space with a virtual camera. Such a game program is executed in a game device such as a computer or a game device, for example. The game device includes, for example, a monitor, a device main body separate from the monitor, and an input device (ex. Keyboard, mouse, controller, etc.) separate from the device main body. For example, a plurality of input buttons are arranged in the input device.

  When the above game program is executed on such a game device, for example, the inside of the virtual space is photographed by the virtual camera in a state in which a certain object (first object) arranged inside the virtual space is in focus. The Then, an image in a state where the first object is in focus is generated, and this image is displayed on the monitor. When the focus is switched to another object (second object) at the next moment, an image in a state where the second object is in focus is generated, and this image is displayed on the monitor. For example, when this game program is applied to a baseball game, when the focus moves from the pitcher object to the batter object, the screen is switched from the screen focused on the batter object to the screen focused on the pitcher object (non-patent). Reference 1).

  It is known that when a scene of a virtual space is projected by a virtual camera, the virtual camera itself is affected by vibrations or the like, resulting in blurring in the video.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a virtual camera that follows a moving body (bicycle) and captures the movement of the moving body (bicycle), and this virtual camera expresses an image subjected to vibration. The moving body (bicycle) produces a sense of realism when traveling on an uneven road.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a virtual camera that captures an automobile traveling along a course, and an image that follows an automobile is expressed by rotating or moving along an axis. There is a disclosure that a camera is shaken to give a sense of reality like a real camera.

JP-A-11-175766 JP 2000-331184 A

Professional Baseball Spirits 6, Konami Digital Entertainment, PS3 Edition, July 16, 2009

  When a conventional game program, for example, the game program of Non-Patent Document 1, is executed on a game device, an image that is surely focused on an object (first object, second object, etc.) to be focused is displayed on the monitor. It was displayed.

  For example, in a baseball game, when the batter object is displayed on the monitor and the batter object heads from the waiting circle to the batter, the focus of the virtual camera is switched from the pitcher object to the batter object. Then, an image in a state where the batter object is in focus is displayed on the monitor. Then, after that, the state where the batter object goes from the waiting circle to the batter in a state where the batter object is in focus is displayed on the monitor.

  On the other hand, in real-world baseball, for example, when switching from a video showing a pitcher to a video showing a batter, the video is displayed due to an error caused by a cameraman's camera shake, a malfunction / recognition of autofocus, etc. At the moment of switching, camera shake may occur. When this blur occurs, the blur is finally corrected by the cameraman manually focusing on the object. Then, an image in a state where the target, for example, the batter is in focus, is displayed on the monitor.

  As described above, when a virtual world image such as a baseball game is compared with a real world image, it has been possible to reproduce the focused object on the monitor with the conventional technique. However, the virtual world image is the same as the real world image, including events such as human error and misrecognition that occur when the target is switched, such as sudden blurring. It has been difficult to reproduce in the conventional technique.

  Note that Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above express the vibration of the virtual camera itself in the virtual space simply by blurring the video, and pursue the reality regarding the camera video. However, these documents do not relate to an event such as a human error or a misrecognition that occurs when the target of the virtual camera is switched as described above, for example, an event such as an out-of-focus blur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above discussion, and the object of the present invention is to reproduce a realistic image by reproducing an event suddenly occurring in the real world in a virtual world image. It is to be able to provide.

A game program according to claim 1 is a program for causing a control unit of a computer capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera to realize the following functions.
(1) A main object setting function for setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera from among the objects.
(2) Within the virtual camera field of view when the virtual camera is focused on the main object, the object existing at a position closer to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more and a predetermined distance from the virtual camera with reference to the main object A sub-object selection function for selecting at least one object among the objects present at positions separated as described above as a sub-object.
(3) A focus order setting function for setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and at least one sub-object.

  In this game program, in the main object setting function, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera is set as the main object from the objects. In the sub-object selection function, in the virtual camera field of view when the virtual camera is focused on the main object, an object that is present at a position closer to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more with the main object as a reference, and the virtual camera At least one object among the objects existing at a position separated by a predetermined distance or more is selected as a sub-object. In the focus order setting function, a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and the sub-object is set. In the focus order setting function, the focus order is set in the order of the sub-object and the main object so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object.

  In this case, when the main object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera is set, the object on the side close to the virtual camera and the object on the side away from the virtual camera are sub-objects based on the main object. Set as Then, the focus order is set in the order of the sub-object and the main object so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object.

  Here, based on the main object, first, at least one of the sub-object on the side close to the virtual camera and the sub-object on the side far from the virtual camera is focused, and then the main object The focus is adjusted. Specifically, when the main object is a target to be focused in a certain scene, based on the focus order, first, the sub-object closer to the virtual camera side (or the side away from the virtual camera side) The secondary object is focused. Next, the sub-object on the side farther from the virtual camera side (or the sub-object closer to the virtual camera side) is focused. Finally, the main object that is the subject to be focused in this scene is focused.

  In this way, instead of focusing directly on the main object from the beginning, first focus on the sub-object, then focus on the main object, and then suddenly occur in the real world An event to be performed, such as a camera's focus blur, can be reproduced on the video. Thereby, a realistic image can be provided.

  As used herein, the term “object” refers to objects related to nature such as sky, clouds, sun, etc., objects related to structures such as buildings, stadiums, bridges, vehicles, The term is a general term for objects related to moving objects such as motorcycles and bicycles, and objects related to animals such as humans, birds, dogs and cats. That is, the word “object” is a word corresponding to all objects used to display an image. The main object and the sub-object are included in this “object”.

A game program according to claim 2 is a program for causing the control unit of the computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to claim 1.
(4) A setting image generation function for generating a focus setting sheet image for setting the focus on the sub-object.
(5) An image information setting function for setting the contrast of the focus setting sheet image by dividing the focus setting sheet image into a plurality of small images and examining the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images.

  In this game program, the setting image generation function generates a focus setting sheet image for setting the focus on the sub-object. In the image information setting function, the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is set by dividing the focus setting sheet image into a plurality of small images and examining the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images. In the sub-object selection function, a sub-object is selected based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image.

  In this case, the focus setting sheet image for setting the focus on the sub-object is divided into a plurality of small images, and the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images is examined. Thus, the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is set, and the sub-object is selected based on this contrast. In this way, by selecting the sub object based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image, the focus setting based on the contrast information can be performed on the sub object. In this way, by performing focus setting on the sub-object based on the contrast information, an image when focus blurring occurs, that is, an image in focus on the sub-object can be made more realistic. it can.

A game program according to claim 3 is a program for causing the control unit of the computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to claim 2.
(6) Object placement function for placing objects in virtual space.
(7) A viewing frustum region setting function for setting a region in the field of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space as a viewing frustum region.
(8) A view frustum region dividing function for dividing the view frustum region into a plurality of divided regions in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera.

  In this game program, an object is placed in a virtual space by the object placement function. In the view cone area setting function, an area in the field of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space is set as the view cone area. In the view cone area dividing function, the view cone area is divided into a plurality of divided areas in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera. In the main object setting function, a main object is set from among objects arranged inside each of the plurality of divided areas. In the setting image generation function, a sheet image for focus setting is projected by projecting the object arranged inside each partitioned area excluding the partitioned area including the main object onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area. Is generated.

  In this case, a sheet image for focus setting is generated by projecting the object arranged inside each segmented region excluding the segmented region including the main object onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone region. The For example, the view frustum region is divided into three in the direction away from the virtual camera, and each segmented region is a first segmented region, a second segmented region, and a third segmented region from the side closer to the virtual camera, When the main object is included in the two-segment area, the object included only in the first segment area is projected onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area. In addition, an object included only in the third segment area is projected onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area. In this manner, a sheet image corresponding to the first segment area (a sheet image for focus setting) and a sheet image corresponding to the third segment area (a sheet image for focus setting) are generated.

  In this way, by generating a sheet image using only the objects arranged inside each divided area (ex. First divided area or third divided area), only objects in one divided area are targeted. This contrast can be reflected in the sheet image. Then, by selecting the sub-object based on the contrast reflected in the sheet image, it is possible to accurately specify the object to be focused, that is, the sub-object when the focus blur occurs.

  In the game program according to claim 4, in the game program according to claim 2 or 3, in each of the plurality of small images, a difference in contrast value between adjacent small images is calculated, and a maximum value of the difference in contrast value is It is set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. This function is realized in the image information setting function.

  In this case, in the focus setting sheet image, the maximum difference between the contrast values of adjacent small images is set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. By selecting a sub-object using this contrast, even if a sub-object different from the main object is in focus when focus blur occurs, an image that focuses on this sub-object is displayed in the real world. Compared with the image, the image can be made uncomfortable.

  In the game program according to claim 5, in the game program according to claim 2 or 3, the contrast value of each of the plurality of small images is averaged, and the average maximum contrast value is the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. Set as This function is realized in the image information setting function.

  In this case, in the focus setting sheet image, the average maximum value of the contrast values of the small images is set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. By selecting a sub-object using this contrast, even if a sub-object different from the main object is in focus when focus blur occurs, an image that focuses on this sub-object is displayed in the real world. Compared with the image, the image can be made uncomfortable.

  In the game program according to a sixth aspect, in the game program according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the sub-object is selected when the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is within a predetermined range. This function is realized in the sub-object selection function.

  In this case, the sub-object is selected when the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is within a predetermined range. That is, here, the sub-object is selected when the contrast is within the predetermined range, and the sub-object is not selected when the contrast is outside the predetermined range. As a result, for example, it is possible to perform control so that the sub-object is selected only when the contrast is high, and is not selected when the contrast is low. That is, the sub-object for causing the focus blur can be selected only when there is a portion with high contrast.

  In the game program according to claim 7, in the game program according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the plurality of small images in the focus setting sheet image are selected based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. The small image for focus for setting the focus position of the sub-object is specified. Then, the position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area is specified. Then, an object that collides with a straight line extending from the virtual camera to the position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area is selected as the sub-object.

  In this case, first, a straight line extending from the virtual camera to the position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area is set. Then, an object with which the straight line collides is selected as a sub-object within each divided area. For example, when the maximum difference between the contrast values of adjacent small images and the average maximum contrast value of the small images are set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image, the small image having this value is selected. An object that has passed through the straight line and collided is selected as a sub-object. In this way, the object to be focused, that is, the sub-object, can be reliably identified based on the contrast information.

A game program according to an eighth aspect is the program according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit of the computer further realizes the following functions.
(8) A focusing function for setting one of the sub-object and the main object as a target object based on the focus order.
(9) A display image generation function for generating a sheet image for display in a state where the target object is in focus.
(10) An image display function for displaying the situation photographed by the virtual camera by issuing a command for continuously outputting the sheet images for display generated based on the focus order.

  In this game program, in the focusing function, one of the secondary object and the main object is set as the target object based on the focusing order. In the display image generation function, a display sheet image is generated in a state where the target object is in focus. In the image display function, by issuing a command for continuously outputting sheet images for display generated based on the focus order, the situation taken by the virtual camera is displayed.

  In this case, the target is switched by focusing on the target object (one of the secondary object and the main object) based on the focus order and generating a display sheet image corresponding to the target object. Events such as human error and misrecognition that sometimes occur, such as sudden blurring, can be displayed in a realistic image.

A game program according to claim 9 is a program for causing the control unit of the computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to claim 8.
(11) An object placement function for placing an object in the virtual space.
(12) A viewing frustum region setting function for setting a region in the visual field of the virtual camera in the virtual space as a viewing frustum region.
(13) A view frustum region dividing function for dividing the view frustum region into a plurality of divided regions in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera.

  In this game program, an object is placed in a virtual space by the object placement function. In the view cone area setting function, an area in the field of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space is set as the view cone area. In the view cone area dividing function, the view cone area is divided into a plurality of divided areas in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera. In the main object setting function, a main object is set from among objects arranged inside each of the plurality of divided areas. In the sub-object selection function, an object included in another partitioned area excluding the partitioned area including the main object is selected as a secondary object. In the display image generation function, a sheet for display is projected by projecting an object arranged inside the viewing cone area onto the virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone area with the target object in focus. An image is generated.

  In this case, a main object is set in a certain divided area, and a sub-object is set in another divided area excluding this divided area. Then, the object placed inside the view cone area (all partitioned areas) in the state where one of the secondary object and the main object (target object) is in focus is the virtual camera side of the view cone area. Projected on the boundary surface. As a result, a sheet image in which the sub-object is in focus (display sub-sheet image) and a sheet image in which the main object is in focus (display main sheet image) are generated. Since these sheet images have different focus positions, by displaying these sheet images in the order of the sub-sheet image for display and the main sheet image for display, human error or Events such as misrecognition, for example, events such as sudden blurring that occur suddenly can be displayed in a realistic image.

A game program according to claim 10 is a program for causing the control unit of the computer to further realize the following functions in the game program according to any one of claims 2 to 9.
(14) A reference contrast setting function for setting the highest contrast as the reference contrast.

  In this game program, the highest contrast is set as the reference contrast in the reference contrast setting function. In the focus order setting function, the focus order for the sub-objects is set in ascending order of the difference between the reference contrast and the contrast of the focus setting sheet image, so that the object that is finally focused becomes the main object. The focus order for the main object is set.

  In this case, the focus order for the sub-objects is set in ascending order of difference between the reference contrast (the highest contrast) and the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. In this focus order, the object that is finally focused is the main object. Thereby, the image focused on the sub-object is displayed in the order of high contrast, and the image focused on the main object is displayed last. As a result, there is no sense of incongruity compared to images taken by cameras in the real world, such as human error and misrecognition events that occur when the target is switched, such as sudden focus blurring. Video can be displayed.

  In the game program according to claim 11, in the game program according to claim 1, the object closest to the extension line of the line connecting the virtual camera and the main object, and the line between the virtual camera and the object are closest to the line. At least one of the close objects is selected as the sub-object. This function is realized in the sub-object selection function.

  In this case, if the object closest to the extension line of the line connecting the virtual camera and the main object is the first object, and the object closest to the line between the virtual camera and the object is the second object, the first object and the first object At least one of the two objects is selected as a sub-object. As a result, since an object close to the line of sight can be selected as a sub-object based on the line of sight of the virtual camera, an event such as a human error or misrecognition that occurs when the target is switched, for example, suddenly An event such as a focus blur that occurs can be displayed as an image in which the focus does not move significantly left and right.

  A game device according to a twelfth aspect is a game device capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera. In this game apparatus, when the control unit of the game apparatus sets a main object setting means for setting, as a main object, an object to be finally focused on the virtual camera from among the objects, and when focusing the virtual camera on the main object In the field of view of the virtual camera, at least one of an object existing at a position closer to the virtual camera by a predetermined distance or more than a predetermined distance from the virtual camera with respect to the main object as a reference Sub-object selection means for selecting one object as a sub-object, and focus order setting means for setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and at least one sub-object. Here, the focus order setting means sets the focus order in the order of at least one sub-object and the main object so that the object that is finally focused becomes the main object.

  A game control method according to a thirteenth aspect is a game control method that can be controlled by a computer capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera. In this game control method, the control unit of the computer sets a main object setting step in which an object to be finally focused on the virtual camera is set as the main object from among the objects, and when the focus of the virtual camera is set on the main object. In the field of view of the virtual camera, at least one of an object existing at a position closer to the virtual camera by a predetermined distance or more than a predetermined distance from the virtual camera with respect to the main object as a reference A sub-object selection step of selecting one object as a sub-object, and a focus order setting step of setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and at least one sub-object are executed. Here, in the focus order setting step, the focus order is set in the order of at least one sub-object and the main object so that the object that is finally focused becomes the main object.

  In the present invention, instead of focusing directly on the main object, focusing on the sub-object, and then focusing on the main object, an event that occurs suddenly in the real world, for example, camera focus blurring. Such an event can be reproduced on the video. Thereby, a realistic image can be provided.

1 is a basic configuration diagram of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The functional block diagram as an example of the said game device. The figure for demonstrating a view cone area | region. The figure for demonstrating a division area and a main object. The figure for demonstrating the sheet image for a focus setting. The figure for demonstrating the setting form of contrast. The figure for demonstrating the setting form of a subobject. The figure which shows the monitor image when focus blurring generate | occur | produced. The figure for demonstrating other embodiment. Flow for explaining the overall outline of the baseball game Flow showing the focus blur reproduction system in a baseball game.

[Configuration and operation of game device]
Below, the example in the case of using a game device as a game device is demonstrated as an example. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a home game device will be described as an example of a game device. The home game device includes a home game machine body and a home television. The home game machine body can be loaded with a recording medium 10, and game data is read from the recording medium 10 as appropriate to execute the game. The contents of the game executed in this way are displayed on the home television.

  The home game apparatus includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 2, an image display unit 3, an audio output unit 4, and an operation input unit 5, which are connected via a bus 6. The bus 6 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Here, the control unit 1, the storage unit 2, the audio output unit 4, and the operation input unit 5 are included in the home game machine main body of the home game device, and the image display unit 3 is included in the home television. ing.

  The control unit 1 is provided mainly for controlling the progress of the entire game based on the game program. The control unit 1 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7, a signal processor 8, and an image processor 9. The CPU 7, the signal processor 8, and the image processor 9 are connected to each other via the bus 6. The CPU 7 interprets instructions from the game program and performs various data processing and control. For example, the CPU 7 instructs the signal processor 8 to supply image data to the image processor. The signal processor 8 mainly performs calculation in the three-dimensional space, position conversion calculation from the three-dimensional space to the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and image and audio data generation processing. ing. The image processor 9 mainly performs a process of writing image data to be drawn into the RAM 12 based on the calculation result and the processing result of the signal processor 8.

  The storage unit 2 is provided mainly for storing program data and various data used in the program data. The storage unit 2 includes, for example, a recording medium 10, an interface circuit 11, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12. An interface circuit 11 is connected to the recording medium 10. The interface circuit 11 and the RAM 12 are connected via the bus 6. The recording medium 10 is for recording operation system program data, image data, audio data, game data including various program data, and the like. The recording medium 10 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) cassette, an optical disk, a flexible disk, or the like, and stores operating system program data, game data, and the like. The recording medium 10 also includes a card type memory, and this card type memory is mainly used for storing various game parameters at the time of interruption when the game is interrupted. The RAM 12 is used for temporarily storing various data read from the recording medium 10 and temporarily recording the processing results from the control unit 1. The RAM 12 stores various data and address data indicating the storage position of the various data, and can be read / written by designating an arbitrary address.

  The image display unit 3 is provided mainly for outputting image data written in the RAM 12 by the image processor 9 or image data read from the recording medium 10 as an image. The image display unit 3 includes, for example, a television monitor 20, an interface circuit 21, and a D / A converter (Digital-To-Analog converter) 22. A D / A converter 22 is connected to the television monitor 20, and an interface circuit 21 is connected to the D / A converter 22. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 21. Here, the image data is supplied to the D / A converter 22 via the interface circuit 21, where it is converted into an analog image signal. The analog image signal is output as an image to the television monitor 20.

  Here, the image data includes, for example, polygon data and texture data. Polygon data is the coordinate data of vertices constituting a polygon. The texture data is for setting a texture on the polygon, and is composed of texture instruction data and texture color data. The texture instruction data is data for associating polygons and textures, and the texture color data is data for designating the texture color. Here, the polygon data and the texture data are associated with the polygon address data indicating the storage position of each data and the texture address data. In such image data, the signal processor 8 coordinates the polygon data in the three-dimensional space indicated by the polygon address data (three-dimensional polygon data) based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data of the screen itself (viewpoint). Conversion and perspective projection conversion are performed, and the data is replaced with polygon data (two-dimensional polygon data) in a two-dimensional space. Then, a polygon outline is constituted by a plurality of two-dimensional polygon data, and texture data indicated by the texture address data is written in an internal area of the polygon.

  The audio output unit 4 is provided mainly for outputting audio data read from the recording medium 10 as audio. The audio output unit 4 includes, for example, a speaker 13, an amplifier circuit 14, a D / A converter 15, and an interface circuit 16. An amplifier circuit 14 is connected to the speaker 13, a D / A converter 15 is connected to the amplifier circuit 14, and an interface circuit 16 is connected to the D / A converter 15. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 16. Here, the audio data is supplied to the D / A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16, where it is converted into an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 14 and output from the speaker 13 as audio. The audio data includes, for example, ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data. In the case of ADPCM data, sound can be output from the speaker 13 by the same processing method as described above. In the case of PCM data, by converting the PCM data into ADPCM data in the RAM 12, the sound can be output from the speaker 13 by the same processing method as described above.

  The operation input unit 5 mainly includes a controller 17, an operation information interface circuit 18, and an interface circuit 19. An operation information interface circuit 18 is connected to the controller 17, and an interface circuit 19 is connected to the operation information interface circuit 18. The bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 19.

  The controller 17 is an operation device used by the player to input various operation commands, and sends an operation signal according to the operation of the player to the CPU 7. The controller 17 includes a first button 17a, a second button 17b, a third button 17c, a fourth button 17d, an up key 17U, a down key 17D, a left key 17L, a right key 17R, and an L1 button 17L1, L2. A button 17L2, an R1 button 17R1, an R2 button 17R2, a start button 17e, a select button 17f, a left stick 17SL and a right stick 17SR are provided.

  The up direction key 17U, the down direction key 17D, the left direction key 17L, and the right direction key 17R are used, for example, to give the CPU 7 a command for moving a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the television monitor 20. .

  The start button 17e is used when instructing the CPU 7 to load the game program from the recording medium 10, or when temporarily stopping the game program being executed.

  The select button 17f is used when instructing the CPU 7 to make various selections for the game program loaded from the recording medium 10.

  The left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR are stick type controllers having substantially the same configuration as a so-called joystick. This stick type controller has an upright stick. The stick is configured to be tiltable from an upright position around the fulcrum in a 360 ° direction including front, rear, left and right. The left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR pass through the operation information interface circuit 18 and the interface circuit 19 with the values of the x-coordinate and y-coordinate with the upright position as the origin as operation signals according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the stick. To the CPU 7.

  The first button 17a, the second button 17b, the third button 17c, the fourth button 17d, the L1 button 17L1, the L2 button 17L2, the R1 button 17R1, and the R2 button 17R2 correspond to the game program loaded from the recording medium 10. Various functions are allocated.

  Each button and each key of the controller 17 except for the left stick 17SL and the right stick 17SR are turned on when pressed from the neutral position by an external pressing force, and return to the neutral position when the pressing force is released. It is an on / off switch that turns off.

  The communication unit 23 includes a communication control circuit 24 and a communication interface 25. The communication control circuit 24 and the communication interface 25 are used for connecting the game device to a server, another game device, or the like. The communication control circuit 24 and the communication interface 25 are connected to the CPU 7 via the bus 6. The communication control circuit 24 and the communication interface 25 control and transmit a connection signal for connecting the game device to the Internet in accordance with a command from the CPU 7. The communication control circuit 24 and the communication interface 25 control and transmit a connection signal for connecting the game device to a server or another game device via the Internet.

  The general operation of the consumer game device having the above configuration will be described below. When a power switch (not shown) is turned on and the game system is turned on, the CPU 7 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 10 based on the operating system stored in the recording medium 10. Is read. Some or all of the read image data, audio data, and program data are stored in the RAM 12. Then, the CPU 7 issues a command to the image data and sound data stored in the RAM 12 based on the program data stored in the RAM 12.

  In the case of image data, based on a command from the CPU 7, first, the signal processor 8 performs character position calculation and light source calculation in a three-dimensional space. Next, the image processor 9 performs a process of writing image data to be drawn into the RAM 12 based on the calculation result of the signal processor 8. Then, the image data written in the RAM 12 is supplied to the D / A converter 22 via the interface circuit 21. Here, the image data is converted into an analog video signal by the D / A converter 22. The image data is supplied to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.

  In the case of audio data, first, the signal processor 8 generates and processes audio data based on a command from the CPU 7. Here, processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition is performed on the audio data, for example. Next, the audio data is output from the signal processor 8 and supplied to the D / A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16. Here, the audio data is converted into an analog audio signal. The audio data is output as audio from the speaker 13 via the amplifier circuit 14.

[Outline of various processes in game devices]
The game executed in this game device is, for example, a baseball game. In this game apparatus, a situation in which an object in the three-dimensional game space is photographed with a virtual camera can be displayed. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the following functions that play a major role in the present invention. The following units are mainly controlled by the control unit 1.

  The reference contrast setting means 50 has a function of setting the highest contrast as the reference contrast.

  In this means, processing for setting the highest contrast as the reference contrast is executed in the control unit 1. For example, the control unit 1 executes processing for recognizing a predetermined contrast value stored in the storage unit 2, that is, a contrast value expressing the maximum contrast, as a reference contrast value. Here, a grayscale contrast value is used, and the grayscale contrast value is expressed by a contrast value in the range of 0 to 256. In this case, the contrast value expressing the maximum contrast, that is, the reference contrast value is set to 128. Various data defining such grayscale contrast values are stored in the storage unit 2, and these various data are read from the storage unit 2 as necessary and used for processing.

  The object placement means 51 has a function of placing an object in the three-dimensional game space.

  In this means, processing for arranging objects in the three-dimensional game space is executed in the control unit 1. For example, the processing for arranging objects to be placed on the television monitor 20 in a baseball game, for example, objects such as stadiums, players, referees, spectators, sky, clouds, sun, moon, etc., in the three-dimensional game space 1 is executed. More specifically, position coordinate data for placing each object in the three-dimensional game space is read from the storage unit 2, and the process of placing each object at the position indicated by the position coordinate data is controlled by It is executed in part 1.

  Here, a three-dimensional object in which a texture is pasted on each polygon is defined as an object (model). Various data for defining this object are stored in the storage unit 2, and these various types of data are read from the storage unit 2 as necessary and used for processing. In addition, position coordinate data for arranging each object in the three-dimensional game space is also stored in the storage unit 2, and these various data are also read from the storage unit 2 as necessary and used for processing. The

  The view cone area setting means 52 has a function of setting an area in the field of view of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional game space as the view cone area.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process of setting an area in the field of view of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional game space as a view cone area.

  For example, first, a process of placing the virtual camera at a predetermined position in the three-dimensional game space, that is, a process of setting the viewpoint of the virtual camera is executed in the control unit 1. Next, with the virtual camera position as a reference, the control unit 1 executes a process of placing the gazing point of the virtual camera at a predetermined position in the three-dimensional game space. Subsequently, processing for setting the angle of view of the virtual camera is executed in the control unit 1. Subsequently, a process of setting a surface on the camera viewpoint side (near surface) and a surface on the side away from the camera viewpoint (fur surface) is executed in the control unit 1. Thereby, the area between the near plane and the fur plane is set as the view cone area in the three-dimensional game space.

  Note that the position coordinate data for defining the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the view angle data for defining the angle of view, and the position coordinate data for defining the first surface and the second surface are stored in the storage unit 2. These various data are read from the storage unit 2 as necessary and used for processing.

  The view cone area dividing unit 53 has a function of dividing the view cone area into a plurality of divided areas in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process of dividing the view cone area into a plurality of divided areas in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera. For example, when dividing the view frustum region into three in the direction away from the virtual camera, first, the process of equally dividing the distance along the visual line direction of the virtual camera between the near surface and the fur surface into three, It is executed in the control unit 1. Next, a process of setting the first surface at a position separated from the near surface by a predetermined distance in the direction from the near surface to the far surface with reference to the near surface is executed in the control unit 1. Subsequently, a process of setting the second surface at a position separated by a predetermined distance in the direction from the near surface to the far surface with the first surface as a reference is executed in the control unit 1. Thereby, the view frustum region can be divided into three in the direction away from the virtual camera. Here, a region between the near surface and the first surface is denoted as a first segmented region, a region between the first surface and the second surface is denoted as a second segmented region, and the second surface An area between the fur surface is referred to as a third divided area. That is, each segmented area is expressed as a first segmented area, a second segmented area, and a third segmented area from the side closer to the virtual camera.

  The main object setting means 54 has a function of setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera from among the objects. The main object setting means 54 has a function of setting a main object from among objects arranged in each of a plurality of divided areas.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process of setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera from among objects arranged inside the view cone area of the three-dimensional game space. . For example, the control unit 1 executes a process of setting a main object from among objects arranged inside a viewing cone area composed of a plurality of segmented areas. More specifically, a main object is selected from the objects arranged in the view cone area composed of the first segment area, the second segment area, and the third segment area, and the main object is focused. The control unit 1 executes a process for setting a position to match.

  Note that the focus position with respect to the main object is defined in advance in the game program, and position coordinate data for defining this position is stored in the storage unit 2. Hereinafter, for example, a case where a batter object arranged in the second segmented area is set as a main object will be described as an example.

  The setting image generating means 55 has a function of generating a focus setting sheet image for setting the focus on the sub-object. Specifically, the setting image generation means 55 focuses the object arranged inside each divided area excluding the divided area including the main object onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area, thereby focusing. A function for generating a sheet image for setting is provided.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process of projecting an object arranged inside each partitioned area excluding the partitioned area including the main object onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area. For example, the control unit 1 executes a process of projecting an object arranged inside the first segment area onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area. Accordingly, a focus setting sheet image (first sheet image for focus setting) for setting the focus on the sub-object is generated. The first sheet image for focus setting is for setting the focus on the sub-object arranged on the virtual camera side with the main object as a reference. Further, the control unit 1 executes a process of projecting an object arranged inside the third segment area onto the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the view cone area. Accordingly, a focus setting sheet image (second focus image for focus setting) for setting the focus on the sub-object is generated. The second sheet image for focus setting is for setting the focus on the sub-object arranged on the side away from the virtual camera with the main object as a reference.

  The image information setting means 56 has a function of setting the contrast of the focus setting sheet image by dividing the focus setting sheet image into a plurality of small images and examining the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images. ing. Specifically, the image information setting unit 56 calculates the difference between the contrast values of adjacent small images in each of the plurality of small images, and sets the maximum contrast value difference as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. It has a function to do.

  In this means, the process of calculating the contrast value difference between adjacent small images in each of a plurality of small images and setting the maximum contrast value difference as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is performed by the control unit 1. Executed in Specifically, the control unit 1 executes a process of calculating a contrast value difference between adjacent small images and setting the contrast of the focus setting sheet image based on the difference.

  The sub-object selection means 57 is an object that is present at a position closer to the virtual camera by a predetermined distance or more with respect to the main object in the field of view of the virtual camera when the virtual camera is focused on the main object, and the virtual camera A function of selecting at least one object among the objects existing at a position more than a predetermined distance from the sub-object as a sub-object.

  With this means, within the visual field of the virtual camera when the virtual object is focused on the main object, the object existing at a position close to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more and a predetermined distance from the virtual camera on the basis of the main object. The control unit 1 executes a process of selecting at least one object among objects existing at positions separated by a distance or more as a sub-object.

  For example, the control unit 1 executes a process of selecting, as a sub-object, an object included in the first segment area located on the virtual camera side of the second segment area including the main object. Further, the control unit 1 executes processing for selecting, as a sub-object, an object included in the third segment area located in the direction away from the virtual camera with the second segment area as a reference.

  Here, the process of selecting the sub-object is executed in the control unit 1 based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. The focus setting sheet image used here has already been generated in the setting image generation means 55 described above. Specifically, based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image (the first sheet image for focus setting and the second sheet image for focus setting), a plurality of small images in the focus setting sheet image are selected. The control unit 1 executes processing for specifying a small focus image (first small image for focus setting, second small image for focus setting) for setting the focus position of the sub-object. Then, the control unit 1 executes a process of specifying the position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area. Then, a process of selecting, as a sub-object, an object in which a straight line extending from the virtual camera to the position of the first small image for focusing on the boundary surface collides inside the first divided area is executed in the control unit 1. The Similarly, the control unit 1 executes a process of selecting, as a sub-object, an object in which a straight line extending from the virtual camera to the position of the second small image for focusing on the boundary surface collides inside the third segmented area. Is done.

  Note that, when the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is within a predetermined range, the process of selecting the sub-object may be executed in the control unit 1.

  The focus order setting means 58 has a function of setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and at least one sub-object. Specifically, the focus order setting unit 58 has a function of setting the focus order in the order of at least one sub-object and the main object so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process for setting the focus order in the order of at least one sub-object and the main object so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object. Here, the control unit 1 executes a process of setting the focus order for the sub-objects in ascending order of difference between the reference contrast and the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. In addition, the control unit 1 executes a process for setting the focus order so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object.

  The focusing unit 59 has a function of setting one of the sub-object and the main object as a target object based on the focus order.

  In this means, processing for setting one of the sub-object and the main object as a target object based on the above-described focus order is executed in the control unit 1. Specifically, when the above-described focus order is used, processing for setting each object as a target object in the order of the sub-object and the main object is executed in the control unit 1. If there are a plurality of sub objects, the control unit 1 executes a process of setting the sub objects as target objects in descending order of contrast and finally setting the main object as the target object. In the process of setting the target object here, a process of recognizing the focus position set for the target object is also executed.

  The display image generation means 60 has a function of generating a display sheet image in a state where the target object is in focus. Specifically, the display image generation unit 60 projects an object arranged inside the viewing cone area on the virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone area while focusing on the target object. A function of generating a sheet image for display is provided.

  In this means, the control unit 1 executes a process of projecting an object arranged inside the viewing cone area onto the virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone area with the target object in focus. Specifically, first, the process of projecting all the objects arranged inside the viewing cone area onto the virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone area in a state where the sub-object is in focus is performed in the control unit 1. Executed. Then, a display sheet image in a state in which the sub-object is in focus is generated. Then, this sheet image is stored in the storage unit 2. Next, in the state where the main object is in focus, the control unit 1 executes a process of projecting all the objects arranged inside the view cone area onto the virtual camera side boundary surface of the view cone area. Then, a display sheet image in a state where the main object is in focus is generated. Then, this sheet image is stored in the storage unit 2.

  The image display means 61 has a function of displaying the situation photographed by the virtual camera by issuing a command for continuously outputting the sheet images for display generated based on the focus order.

  In this means, the image display unit 3 performs a process of displaying the situation photographed by the virtual camera by issuing a command for continuously outputting the sheet images for display generated based on the focus order. The Specifically, the control unit 1 issues a command for continuously outputting a display sheet image in a state in which the sub-object is in focus and a display sheet image in a state in which the main object is in focus. Then, a process for displaying the situation photographed by the virtual camera is executed in the image display unit 3.

[Outline of the focus blur reproduction system for baseball games]
Next, specific contents of the focus blur reproduction system in the baseball game will be described. The flow shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will also be described at the same time. FIG. 10 is a flow for explaining the overall outline of the baseball game, and FIG. 11 is a flow for explaining the system.

  First, when the game apparatus is turned on and the game apparatus is activated, a baseball game program is loaded from the recording medium 10 into the RAM 12 and stored. At this time, various basic game data necessary for executing the baseball game are simultaneously loaded from the recording medium 10 into the RAM 12 and stored (S1).

  For example, the basic game data includes data related to various images for a three-dimensional game space. The data relating to various images for the three-dimensional game space includes, for example, model data of various objects, for example, model data for stadiums, model data for player characters, and model data for spectators. Yes. Further, the basic game data includes position coordinate data for arranging model data for the three-dimensional game space in the three-dimensional game space. Further, the basic game data includes image data for displaying the model (object) arranged in the three-dimensional game space on the television monitor 20. The image data is generated by photographing a model arranged in the three-dimensional game space with a virtual camera. Further, the basic game data includes various data used in the above system.

  Each model is managed by the CPU 7 using identification data set uniquely for each model. In other words, by making the CPU 7 recognize this identification data, a model (object) can be specified, and model image data can be read from the RAM 12.

  Subsequently, the baseball game program stored in the RAM 12 is executed by the CPU 7 based on the basic game data (S2). Then, the start screen of the baseball game is displayed on the television monitor 20. Then, various setting screens for executing the baseball game are displayed on the television monitor 20. Here, for example, a mode selection screen for selecting a play mode of the baseball game is displayed on the television monitor 20 (not shown). In the mode selection screen, the player operates the controller 17 to determine the play mode (S3). The play mode includes, for example, a battle mode in which a team is selected from 12 teams to enjoy a match of one team, a pennant mode in which a team is selected from 12 teams to play a pennant race, and the team is played by the player as a manager. A training mode for training a player character, a growth experience mode for experiencing a baseball game in the position of a player character with a player, and the like are prepared.

  Subsequently, various events are executed by the CPU 7 in the play mode selected on the mode selection screen (S4). The various events executed here are, for example, events automatically controlled by the CPU 7 based on an automatic control program (AI program, Artificial Intelligence Program), or manually controlled by the player based on an input signal from the controller 17. There are events. In addition, the player character is controlled by automatic control for automatically instructing the player character based on an automatic control program or manual control for directly instructing the player character based on an input signal from the controller 17. Etc. Thus, in this baseball game, an event is controlled or an instruction is instructed to the player character in accordance with an instruction from the controller 17 or an instruction from the automatic control program.

  Note that the automatic control program shown here is a program for automatically controlling a command for an event and a command for a player character on behalf of a player. This automatic control program is prepared in advance in the game program.

  Subsequently, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the selected play mode is finished (S5). Specifically, the CPU 7 determines whether or not a command indicating that the play mode has ended is issued. If the CPU 7 determines that an instruction indicating that the play mode has ended has been issued (Yes in S5), the CPU 7 executes a process of storing the game continuation data in the RAM 12. When the game continuation data is stored in the RAM 12, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to end the baseball game is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S6). When an item indicating the end of the baseball game is selected by operating the controller 17 on the selection screen (Yes in S6), the CPU 7 executes a process for ending the baseball game ( S7). On the other hand, when an item indicating continuation of the baseball game is selected by operating the controller 17 on the selection screen (No in S6), the mode selection screen in Step 3 (S3) is displayed on the television monitor. 20 is displayed again.

  Unless the CPU 7 determines that an instruction for ending the play mode has been issued (No in S5), various events are executed by the CPU 7 in the play mode selected on the mode selection screen (S4).

  Next, specific contents of the focus blur reproduction system in the baseball game will be described.

  Here, an example in which the present system is executed during the execution of various events during the game is shown.

  When a game is started in the play mode selected on the mode selection screen (S401), first, a reference contrast is set (S402). The reference contrast is included in the basic game data. Here, the highest contrast is set as the reference contrast. For example, a predetermined contrast value, that is, a contrast value expressing the maximum contrast is read from the RAM 12, and this contrast value is recognized by the CPU 7 as a reference contrast value. The predetermined contrast value is a contrast value for 256 gray scales, and is set to 128. This contrast value is stored in the RAM 12 in advance, and is read from the RAM 12 and recognized by the CPU 7 as necessary.

  Subsequently, a command for placing an object in the three-dimensional game space GS is issued from the CPU 7 (S403). Then, objects displayed on the television monitor 20 in the baseball game, for example, objects such as a stadium, a player, a referee, a spectator, the sky, clouds, and the moon are arranged in the three-dimensional game space GS. Specifically, the image data for each object and the position coordinate data for arranging each object in the three-dimensional game space GS are read from the RAM 12, and the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data so that each object can be recognized. The three-dimensional game space GS is arranged at the position indicated by the position coordinate data.

  The image data of each object and the position coordinate data indicating the initial position of each object are included in the basic game data and are stored in the RAM 12. For example, when the object moves, position coordinate data indicating the position of the moved object is calculated, and the moved position coordinate data is stored in the RAM 12. And each object is arrange | positioned in the three-dimensional game space GS using the position coordinate data after this movement.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, a region in the visual field of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional game space GS, that is, a view cone region Vs is set (S404). Here, the virtual camera is arranged at a predetermined position Pc in the three-dimensional game space GS. That is, the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera is set. For example, the position coordinate data indicating the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera is read from the RAM 12 and the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data so that the virtual camera can indicate the position Pc indicated by the position coordinate data in the three-dimensional game space GS. Placed in. Note that the position coordinate data indicating the initial viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera is included in the basic game data and stored in the RAM 12. When a command for moving the virtual camera is issued from the CPU 7, the position coordinate data after the movement is recognized by the CPU 7, and the position indicated by the position coordinate data is set as the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera.

  Here, the horizontal plane in the three-dimensional game space GS is defined by the X axis and the Y axis, and the vertically upward direction in the three-dimensional game space GS is defined in the direction in which the Z axis faces. Further, the origin, the direction in which the X axis faces, and the direction in which the Y axis faces are defined in advance in the game program.

  Next, with the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera as a reference, the gazing point Pf of the virtual camera is arranged at a predetermined position in the three-dimensional game space GS. For example, the gazing point Pf of the virtual camera is arranged at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera. In other words, the position coordinate data for defining a position that is separated from the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera by a predetermined distance is read from the RAM 12, and the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data so that the gazing point Pf of the virtual camera is determined. The three-dimensional game space GS is arranged at the position indicated by the position coordinate data. The position coordinate data indicating the initial gazing point Pf of the virtual camera is included in the basic game data and stored in the RAM 12.

  When the gazing point Pf of the virtual camera is set in this way, the angle of view α of the virtual camera is set with reference to a straight line (reference line) connecting the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera and the gazing point Pf of the camera. Is done. For example, the field angle α of the virtual camera is composed of a horizontal field angle αxy centered on the reference line and a vertical field angle αyz centered on the reference line. The angle data corresponding to these angle of view αxy and αyz is read from the RAM 12, and the angle data is set by causing the CPU 7 to recognize the angle data. Then, an area within the angle of view of the virtual camera (area within the angle of view) is determined. Note that the angle data corresponding to the angle of view of the virtual camera is included in the basic game data and stored in the RAM 12.

  Subsequently, a camera viewpoint side surface (near surface) S1 and a surface (far surface) S2 far from the camera viewpoint are set in the in-view angle region. Thereby, a region between the near surface S1 and the fur surface S2 is set as the view cone region Vs in the three-dimensional game space GS. For example, the near plane S1 is set by causing the CPU 7 to recognize position coordinate data at a position separated from the virtual camera position Pc by a predetermined first distance on the reference line. Further, the fur surface S2 is set by causing the CPU 7 to recognize position coordinate data at a position that is a predetermined second distance from the position Pc of the virtual camera on the reference line. Then, a region between the near surface S1 and the fur surface S2 in the in-view angle region is defined as a viewing cone region Vs.

  Here, the first distance and the second distance longer than the first distance are defined in advance in the game program. Based on the first distance and the second distance, the position coordinate data of the first position and the position coordinate data of the second position are calculated by the CPU 7 and stored in the RAM 12. Thereby, the near surface S1 and the fur surface S2 are set.

  When the viewing cone area Vs is set in this way, the position coordinate data indicating the positions of the eight corners v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, v6, v7, v8 of the viewing cone space Vs are Recognized by the CPU 7 and stored in the RAM 12. Here, the position coordinate data indicating the positions of the corner portions v1, v2, v3, v4, v5, v6, v7, v8 is recognized by the CPU 7, thereby the position of the view cone space Vs in the three-dimensional game space GS. And ranges are defined.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the view frustum region Vs is divided into a plurality of divided regions Vk1, Vk2, and Vk3 in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the viewpoint position Pc of the virtual camera (S405). Here, for example, the view frustum region Vs is divided into three in a direction away from the virtual camera. In this case, first, the CPU 7 executes a process of dividing the length of the reference line between the near surface S1 and the fur surface S2 into three at equal intervals. Next, the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data corresponding to a position (a position of the first divided portion) that is separated from the near surface S1 by a predetermined distance in the direction from the near surface S1 toward the far surface S2. By doing so, the first surface d1 for defining the first segmented region Vk1 is set. Then, with this first surface d1 as a reference, a second partitioned region Vk2 is defined at a position (position of the second divided third) that is a predetermined distance away from the near surface S1 toward the far surface S2. A second surface d2 is set. As a result, a divided area obtained by dividing the view frustum area Vs into three in the direction away from the virtual camera, that is, a first divided area Vk1, a second divided area Vk2, and a third divided area Vk3 are formed.

  Each segmented region Vk1, Vk2, Vk3 causes the CPU 7 to recognize position coordinate data indicating the positions of the eight corners of each segmented region Vk1, Vk2, Vk3, similar to the aforementioned view frustum region Vs. Thus, the positions and ranges of the respective divided areas Vk1, Vk2, and Vk3 in the three-dimensional game space GS are defined.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, a main object M1 for finally adjusting the focus of the virtual camera is set (S406). For example, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera is set as the main object M1 among the objects arranged inside the view cone region Vs of the three-dimensional game space GS. Here, a focus position P1 for setting the focus on the main object M1 is set. For example, position coordinate data for focusing on a predetermined position of the main object M1 is read from the RAM 12, and the CPU 7 recognizes this position coordinate data, thereby setting the focus position P1 of the main object M1. The main object M1 and the focus position P1 of the main object M1 are defined in advance in the game program for each scene.

  As described above, when the view cone region Vs is set and the focus is set on the main object M1, the focus setting sheet images SP1 and SP2 for setting the focus on the sub-object are generated (S407). . In detail, as shown in FIG. 5, it is arranged inside other partitioned areas (first partitioned area Vk1, third partitioned area Vk3) excluding the partitioned area (second partitioned area Vk2) including the main object M1. By projecting the object onto the boundary surface S1 (projection plane) on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone area Vs, sheet images SG1 and SG2 for focus setting are generated. In this case, first, the CPU 7 executes a process of projecting all the objects arranged in the first segmented region Vk1 (the hatched portion in FIG. 5A) onto the projection plane S1, thereby setting the focus. The first sheet image SG1 is generated. Then, the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting is stored in the RAM 12. Next, by causing the CPU 7 to execute a process of projecting all the objects arranged inside the third segmented region Vk3 (the shaded area in FIG. 5B) onto the projection plane S1, the focus setting second A two-sheet image SG2 is generated. Then, the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting is stored in the RAM 12.

  Here, the focus setting sheet images (first focus image SG1 for focus setting and second sheet image SG2 for focus setting) stored in the RAM 12 are obtained from the virtual camera side and the virtual camera on the basis of the main object M1. This is for setting the focus on the sub-objects arranged on the side away from each other.

  Subsequently, the focus setting sheet image is divided into a plurality of small images (S408), and the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images is examined to set the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet image (S409). ). In this case, first, the CPU 7 executes processing for converting the color information of the colors of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting into color information of gray scale. Thus, the focus setting first sheet image SG1 and the focus setting second sheet image SG2 are each converted from an RGB gradation image into a 256 gradation gray scale image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 7 executes a process for dividing the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting into a predetermined number of small images. The For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, each small image of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting is composed of “2 pixels × 2 pixels”. Further, each focus setting sheet image is divided. Here, gray-scale color information data having a value of 0 to 256 is assigned to “1 pixel × 1 pixel”. For this reason, one small image has four gray scale color information data (see FIG. 6B). Here, the CPU 7 executes a process of averaging four gray scale color information data included in one small image. This average value is set as the contrast value C (i, j) of this small image.

  In FIG. 6, each small image is enlarged and drawn for easy explanation. FIG. 6A illustrates a diagram in which the horizontal direction i is divided into nine and the vertical direction j is divided into eight.

  Subsequently, in each of the plurality of small images, the process of calculating the difference between the contrast values C (i, j) of the adjacent small images is performed on all the adjacent sets of small images. Here, for example, the difference between the contrast values of adjacent small images is expressed as “dC (j) = C (m + 1, j) −C (m, j); m is a natural number from 1 to 8”. . In FIG. 6C, the contrast value C (i, 4) at j = 4 is shown. In this case, the contrast value difference dC (4) between adjacent small images is “C (m + 1,4) −C (m, 4); m is a natural number from 1 to 8.”

  Then, the CPU 7 executes a process of detecting the maximum value | dC (j) | max from the absolute values | dC (j) | of the differences between all the contrast values C (i, j). The CPU 7 recognizes the smaller contrast value of the two contrast values C (m + 1, j) and C (m, j) of the set of small images having the maximum value. Then, this contrast value is set as the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting. For example, in FIG. 6C, the maximum absolute value of the difference between two adjacent contrast values is “| dC (4) | max = | C (7,4) −C (6,4) |”. is there. Therefore, in this case, the contrast C (7, 4) (<C (6, 4)) is recognized by the CPU 7 and set as the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet image.

  For ease of explanation, FIG. 6C shows an example of setting the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting using only the case of “j = 4”. The above processing is executed for all “j = 1 to 8”, and the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting is set based on these maximum values | dC (j) | max.

  Specifically, the largest contrast value drop value | dC (j) | between two adjacent small images is set as the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting. This process is executed for each of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting, and each of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting. Contrast is set. Hereinafter, among the two small images having the largest contrast value difference | dC (j) |, the small image having the smaller contrast value C (i, j) is referred to as a small image for focus.

  Here, the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting is set by calculating the absolute value | dC (j) | of the difference between the contrast values C (i, j) of the small images adjacent in the horizontal direction. Here, an example in which the difference dC (j) between the contrast values C (i, j) of small images adjacent in the horizontal direction is used, but the contrast value C ( i, j) difference dC (i) or the difference between contrast values dC (j) of small images adjacent in the horizontal direction and the difference between contrast values C (i, j) of small images adjacent in the vertical direction Both dC (i) may be used at the same time.

  In addition, here, an example in which the largest contrast value drop | dC (i) | between two adjacent small images is used as the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting is shown. The setting form of the contrast Cp of the sheet image for use is not limited to this embodiment, and any method may be used. For example, the maximum contrast value C (i, j) _max among the plurality of contrast values C (i, j) for a plurality of small images may be set as the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet image.

  Subsequently, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the contrast Cp of the sheet image for focus setting, for example, the maximum absolute value | dC (j) | max of the difference between the contrast values is within a predetermined range ( S410). This determination process is executed for each of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting. Specifically, the maximum absolute value | dC (j) | max of each of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value of this range. Is determined by the CPU 7. The predetermined range used in this determination is defined in advance in the game program. That is, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the range are stored in the RAM 12, and are read from the RAM 12 during the determination process.

  By performing such discrimination processing, it is possible to generate focus blur only when a portion with high contrast exists. This determination process can also be used to determine whether or not to cause focus blur. For example, in this determination processing, when the contrast of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting and the contrast of the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting are within a predetermined range, a focus blur is generated. On the other hand, when the contrast between the two is out of the predetermined range, no focus blur occurs. By processing in this way, it is possible to automatically control whether or not focus blur has occurred.

  Subsequently, the contrast Cp1 of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting (the maximum absolute value | dC1 (j) | max of the difference in contrast value of the first sheet image SG1) and the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting When at least one of the contrast Cp2 (maximum absolute value | dC2 (j) | max of the difference in contrast value of the second sheet image SG2) is within a predetermined range (Yes in S410), a focus shift has occurred. Objects to be focused at times, that is, sub-objects H1 and H2 are set (S411). Here, on the basis of the main object M1, at least one object among the object existing at a position closer to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance and the object existing at a position more than the predetermined distance from the virtual camera is: Selected as sub-objects H1, H2. In the following, the sub-object on the virtual camera side is denoted as “H1”, and the sub-object on the side away from the virtual camera side is denoted as “H2”.

  Here, the predetermined distance from the main object M1 to the object existing on the virtual camera side is the distance from the main object M1 to the first surface d1, and is on the side away from the virtual camera from the main object M1. The predetermined distance to the object is a distance from the main object M1 to the second surface d2.

  For example, when the contrast Cp1 of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting is within a predetermined range, the small image used when the contrast Cp1 of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting is defined is the CPU 7. The position coordinate data of the small image is recognized by the CPU 7. Thereby, the position PS1 of the first small image for focus is set. The position coordinate data for defining the position PS1 of the first small image for focusing is defined on the boundary surface S1 (on the projection surface) on the virtual camera side of the view cone region Vs. Further, the position PS1 of the first small image for focusing is defined at the center of gravity of the small image.

  Similarly, when the contrast Cp2 of the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting is within a predetermined range, the small image used when the contrast Cp2 of the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting is defined, Re-recognized by the CPU 7, the position coordinate data of this small image is recognized by the CPU 7. Thereby, the position PS2 of the second small image for focus is set. The position coordinate data for defining the position PS2 of the second small image for focusing is defined on the boundary surface S1 (on the projection surface) on the virtual camera side of the view cone region Vs. Further, the position PS2 of the second small image for focusing is defined at the center of gravity of the small image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a straight line CL1 extending from the position of the virtual camera to the position PS1 of the first small image for focusing on the boundary surface S1 is set in the three-dimensional game space GS. The straight line CL1 is defined based on the position coordinate data of the virtual camera and the position coordinate data of the small image for focus. Then, the CPU 7 recognizes the position coordinate data of the object with which the straight line CL1 collides inside the first segmented region Vk1. The position coordinate data is stored in the RAM 12 and used as position coordinate data of the focus position P2 when a focus shift occurs. Further, based on the position coordinate data, the object with which the straight line CL1 collided is specified, and the identification data of this object is recognized by the CPU 7. In this way, the focus position P2 when the focus shift occurs and the sub-object H1 positioned on the virtual camera side with the main object M1 as a reference are set. Hereinafter, the focus position P2 for defocusing is referred to as a focus position P2 in the first segmented area, and this sub-object is referred to as a sub-object H1 in the first segmented area.

  In the following, the focus position P3 for defocusing in the third segmented area Vk3 is referred to as the focus position P3 in the third segmented area, and the object for which the focus position P3 for focus is set is defined in the third segmented area Vk3. Is called the sub-object H2. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the focus position P3 in the third partitioned area and the secondary object H2 in the third partitioned area are also set in the same form as the secondary object H1 in the first partitioned area. For example, the position of an object in which a straight line CL2 extending from the virtual camera position Pc to the focus second small image position PS2 on the boundary surface S1 collides within the third divided area Vk3 is the third divided area. Is set as the focus position P3. Here, the object with which the straight line CL2 collides is set as the sub-object H2 in the third segmented area. The details are the same as the setting of the sub-object H1 in the first segment area, and are omitted here. Note that the sub-object H2 in the third segment area is an object located on the side away from the virtual camera with the main object M1 as a reference.

  Note that the contrast Cp1 of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting (the maximum absolute value | dC1 (j) | max of the difference in contrast value of the first sheet image SG1) and the contrast of the second sheet image SG2 for focus setting If Cp2 (maximum absolute value | dC2 (j) | max of difference in contrast value of the second sheet image SG2) is outside the predetermined range (No in S410), the sub-objects H1 and H2 are not set, There is no focus blur. In this case, an unfocused image is displayed on the television monitor 20, and the process of step 403 (S403) is executed by the CPU 7.

  Subsequently, when the sub objects H1 and H2 are set as described above, the focus order PJ for focusing the virtual camera on the main object M1 and at least one sub object H1 and H2 is set (S412). . Specifically, the focus order PJ is set in the order of at least one of the sub-objects H1, H2 and the main object M1 so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object M1.

  For example, when the sub object H1 exists in the first segmented area, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the absolute value of the difference between the reference contrast and the contrast Cp1 of the first sheet image SG1 for focus setting. When the sub-object H2 exists in the third segmented area, the CPU 7 executes a process for calculating the absolute value of the difference between the reference contrast and the contrast Cp2 of the focus setting second sheet image SG2. Then, by comparing the former calculation result and the latter calculation result, the focus order PJ is set so that the order of focusing is higher in the order in which the absolute value of the difference is smaller.

  For example, when the former calculation result is smaller than the latter calculation result, the order of focusing on the sub-object H1 in the first division area is higher than the order of focusing on the sub-object H2 in the third division area. . On the other hand, when the former calculation result is larger than the latter calculation result, the order of focusing on the sub-object H1 in the first division area is lower than the order of focusing on the sub-object H2 in the third division area. Become. In this way, when the focus order PJ for each of the sub-objects H1 and H2 is set, the focus order PJ is set so that the order of focusing on the main object M1 is the lowest. In this way, the focus order PJ is set so that the object that is finally focused becomes the main object M1.

  In addition, although the example in case the subobject H1 in a 1st division area and the subobject H2 in a 3rd division area exist here was shown here, the subobject H1 in a 1st division area, and a 3rd division When only one of the secondary objects H2 in the area exists, the focus order PJ is determined based on either the secondary object H1 in the first partitioned area or the secondary object H2 in the third partitioned area, or the primary object M1. In order.

  Subsequently, based on the focus order PJ, one of the sub-objects H1, H2 and the main object M1 is set as the target object TJ (S413). Then, the focus of the virtual camera is set with respect to the focus position of the target object TJ. Note that the focus position of the target object for which the focus of the virtual camera is set is any one of the focus position P1 of the main object and the focus positions P2 and P3 of the sub-objects H1 and H2.

  In this case, first, one of the sub objects H1 in the first segment area and the sub object H2 in the third segment area is set as the target object TJ. Then, the focus of the virtual camera is set with respect to the focus position P2 (P3) of the target object TJ. Next, the other sub-object of the sub-object H1 in the first segment area and the sub-object H2 in the third segment area is set as the target object TJ. Then, the focus of the virtual camera is set with respect to the focus position P3 (P2) of the target object TJ. Finally, the focus of the virtual camera is set with respect to the focus position P1 of the main object M1.

  Thus, by setting the focus of the virtual camera to each of the objects H1, H2, and M1 based on the focus order PJ, the virtual cameras are focused on the sub objects H1 and H2 in the order of high contrast. Finally, the focus of the virtual camera is set for the main object M1. Finally, the virtual camera is focused on the main object M1.

  In addition, although the example in case the subobject H1 in a 1st division area and the subobject H2 in a 3rd division area exist here was shown here, the subobject H1 in a 1st division area, and a 3rd division When only one of the secondary objects H2 in the area exists, the virtual camera is only used for the focus position of either the secondary object H1 in the first partitioned area or the secondary object H2 in the third partitioned area. The focus is set.

  Subsequently, a display sheet image is generated in a state where the target object TJ is in focus (S414). Specifically, in a state where the target object TJ is in focus, all the objects arranged inside the view cone area Vs are projected onto the virtual camera side boundary surface S1 (projection plane) of the view cone area Vs. As a result, a sheet image for display is generated.

  In this case, the CPU 7 executes a process of projecting all the objects arranged inside the view cone region Vs onto the boundary surface S1 on the virtual camera side of the view cone region Vs with the target object TJ in focus. Is done.

  Specifically, first, in a state where the sub-object H1 in the first segmented area is in focus, all the objects arranged inside the view cone area Vs are bound to the boundary surface S1 on the virtual camera side of the view cone area Vs. The process of projecting onto (projection plane) is executed by the CPU 7. Then, a first sheet image for display in a state in which the sub object H1 is in focus is generated. Then, this sheet image is stored in the RAM 12. Similarly, the CPU 7 executes a process of projecting all the objects arranged in the view cone area Vs onto the projection plane S1 while focusing on the sub-object H2 in the third segment area. Then, the second sheet image SG2 for display in a state in which the sub object H2 is in focus is generated. Then, this sheet image is stored in the RAM 12.

  In addition, although the example in case the subobject H1 in a 1st division area and the subobject H2 in a 3rd division area exist here was shown here, the subobject H1 in a 1st division area, and a 3rd division When only one of the secondary objects H2 in the area exists, a sheet image for display in which one of the secondary object H1 in the first partitioned area and the secondary object H2 in the third partitioned area is focused Is generated.

  Next, the CPU 7 executes a process of projecting all the objects arranged inside the view cone area Vs onto the boundary surface S1 on the virtual camera side of the view cone area Vs in a state where the main object M1 is in focus. The Then, a second sheet image SG2 for display in a state in which the main object M1 is in focus is generated. Then, this sheet image is stored in the RAM 12.

  Subsequently, when an instruction for continuously outputting the sheet images for display generated based on the focus order PJ is issued from the CPU 7, the sheet image for display is read from the RAM 12, and the television monitor 20 is read. To be supplied. Specifically, a display sheet image in a state in which the sub-objects H1 and H2 are in focus, and a display sheet image in a state in which the main object M1 is in focus are read from the RAM 12, and the television monitor 20 is read out. To be supplied. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the image which reproduced the focus blur is displayed on the television monitor 20 (S415).

  In FIG. 8, an in-focus image is indicated by a solid line, and an out-of-focus image is indicated by a broken line. In FIG. 8, the sub-object H1 in the first segment area is the bench player object, the main object M1 in the second segment area Vk2 is the batter object, and the sub-object H2 in the third segment area is the audience. An example of a seat audience object is shown. Also, in FIG. 8, only one audience object H2 in the audience seat is displayed in a simplified manner. For example, in FIG. 8, a bench player object H1 (a sub-object in the first division area), a spectator seat audience object H2 (a sub-object in the third division area), a batter placed in the three-dimensional game space GS, The focus blur is reproduced by focusing the virtual camera in the order of the object M1 (the main object of the second divided region Vk2). That is, here, the television monitor 20 displays a state in which the batter object that is the object of focus is in focus after the batter object is blurred before and after the batter object as a reference.

  In FIG. 8, the image corresponding to the player object on the bench (sub-object in the first section area), the image corresponding to the spectator object in the spectator seat (sub-object in the third section area), and the batter object (first object) A symbol “H1”, a symbol “H2”, and a symbol “M1” are attached to each of the images corresponding to the main object of the two-segment region Vk2. This is to facilitate the explanation of FIG. Therefore, actually, the objects indicated by these symbols H1, H2, and M1 are defined in the three-dimensional game space GS.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the focus setting sheet images SG1 and SG2 for setting the focus on the sub-objects H1 and H2 are divided into a plurality of small images, and the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images. C (i, j) is examined. As a result, the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet images SG1, SG2 is set, and the sub objects H1, H2 are selected based on the contrast Cp. Thus, by selecting the sub objects H1 and H2 based on the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet images SG1 and SG2, the focus setting based on the contrast information can be performed on the sub objects H1 and H2. it can.

  Further, when the main object M1 is a target to be focused in a certain scene, first, the sub-object H1 on the virtual camera side (or the sub-object H2 on the side away from the virtual camera side) is focused based on the focus order PJ. Adapted. Next, the sub-object H2 on the side away from the virtual camera side (or the sub-object H1 on the virtual camera side) is focused. Finally, the main object M1, which is the object to be focused in this scene, is focused.

  In this way, the focus is not directly focused on the main object M1, but first, the sub-objects H1 and H2 selected based on the contrast information are focused, and then the main object M1 is focused. An event that occurs suddenly, for example, an event such as a focus blur can be reproduced on the video, and a realistic video can be provided.

[Other Embodiments]
(A) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the sub objects H1 and H2 are selected based on the contrast Cp of the focus setting sheet image has been shown. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and any method may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, among the objects closest to the extension line of the straight line CL3 connecting the virtual camera and the main object M1, and among the objects closest to the straight line CL3 between the virtual camera and the object, At least one of the objects may be selected as the sub objects H1 and H2.

  In this case, first, the CPU 7 calculates a straight line CL3 extending from the virtual camera to the focus position P1 of the main object M1 based on the position coordinate data of the virtual camera and the position coordinate data of the focus position P1 of the main object M1. The Then, the CPU 7 executes a process for calculating the distance between the straight line CL3 and each of all the objects in the first segment area. Based on the calculation result, the object located closest to the straight line is selected as the sub-object H1 'in the first segmented area. Similarly, the CPU 7 executes a process of calculating the distance between the straight line and each of all objects in the third segment area. Based on the calculation result, the object closest to the straight line is selected as the sub-object H2 'in the third segment area.

Each object is assigned position coordinate data for defining the position of the object, and using this position coordinate data, a distance between the straight line and each object, for example, a vertical distance is calculated. The
(B) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a development game device is used as an example of a computer to which a game program can be applied has been described. The present invention can be similarly applied to a game device configured as described above, a game device in which a monitor is integrated, a personal computer functioning as a game device by executing a game program, a workstation, and the like.
(C) The present invention includes a program for executing the above-described game and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of the recording medium include a computer-readable flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD, an MO, a ROM cassette, and the like in addition to the cartridge.

  The present invention can be used in a game program, a game device, and a game control method capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 3 Image display part 5 Operation input part 7 CPU
12 RAM
17 controller 20 television monitor 50 reference contrast setting means 51 object placement means 52 view cone area setting means 53 view cone area dividing means 54 main object M1 setting means 55 setting image generation means 56 image information setting means 57 sub object selection means 58 focus Order setting means 59 Focusing means 60 Display image generating means 61 Image display means M1 Main object H1, H2 Sub-object Vs View cone area Vk1, Vk2, Vk3 Segmented area Pc Virtual camera viewpoint position P1, P2, P3 Focus position SG1, SG2 Sheet image for focus setting Cp Contrast C (i, j) Contrast value dC (j) Contrast value difference

Claims (13)

In the control part of the computer that can display the situation where the object in the virtual space is photographed by the virtual camera,
A main object setting function for setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera from among the objects,
From the virtual camera in the visual field of the virtual camera when the virtual object is focused on the main object, the object existing at a position close to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more with reference to the main object A sub-object selection function for selecting at least one object among objects existing at a position separated by a predetermined distance or more as a sub-object;
A focus order setting function for setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and the at least one sub-object;
Realized,
In the focus order setting function, the focus order is set in the order of the at least one sub-object and the main object so that an object to be finally focused becomes the main object.
Game program. In the control part of the computer,
A setting image generation function for generating a focus setting sheet image for setting the focus on the sub-object;
An image information setting function for setting the contrast of the focus setting sheet image by dividing the focus setting sheet image into a plurality of small images and examining the contrast information of each of the plurality of small images;
Further realized,
In the sub-object selection function, the sub-object is selected based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image.
The game program according to claim 1. In the control part of the computer,
An object placement function for placing the object in the virtual space;
A view frustum region setting function for setting a region in the field of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space as a view frustum region;
A view frustum region dividing function for dividing the view frustum region into a plurality of divided regions in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera;
Realized,
In the main object setting function, the main object is set from among the objects arranged inside each of the plurality of divided areas,
In the setting image generation function, the object arranged inside each segmented region excluding the segmented region including the main object is projected onto the virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone region, thereby focusing the image. A sheet image for setting is generated.
The game program according to claim 2. In the image information setting function, a contrast value difference between the adjacent small images is calculated for each of the plurality of small images, and the maximum contrast value difference is set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. To be
The game program according to claim 2 or 3. In the image information setting function, the contrast values of each of the plurality of small images are averaged, and the average maximum value of the contrast values is set as the contrast of the focus setting sheet image.
The game program according to claim 2 or 3. The sub-object selection function selects the sub-object when the contrast of the focus setting sheet image is within a predetermined range.
The game program according to any one of claims 2 to 5. In the sub-object selection function, a focus object for setting a focus position of the sub-object from among the plurality of small images in the focus setting sheet image based on the contrast of the focus setting sheet image. And a position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface on the virtual camera side of the viewing cone region is specified, and the position of the small image for focusing on the boundary surface is determined from the virtual camera. An object that collides with a straight line extending to a position is selected as the sub-object;
The game program according to claim 2. In the control part of the computer,
A focusing function for setting one of the sub-object and the main object as a target object based on the focus order;
A display image generation function for generating a sheet image for display in a state where the target object is in focus;
An image display function for displaying a situation photographed by a virtual camera by issuing a command to continuously output the display sheet image generated based on the focus order; and
The game program according to claim 1, for further realizing the above. In the control part of the computer,
An object placement function for placing the object in the virtual space;
A view frustum region setting function for setting a region in the field of view of the virtual camera in the virtual space as a view frustum region;
A view frustum region dividing function for dividing the view frustum region into a plurality of divided regions in a direction away from the virtual camera with reference to the position of the virtual camera;
Further realized,
In the main object setting function, the main object is set from among the objects arranged inside each of the plurality of divided areas,
In the sub-object selection function, the object included in the other partitioned area excluding the partitioned area including the main object is selected as the secondary object,
In the display image generation function, by projecting an object arranged inside the viewing cone area on a virtual camera side boundary surface of the viewing cone area in a state where the target object is in focus, A sheet image for display is generated,
The game program according to claim 8. In the control part of the computer,
A reference contrast setting function for setting the highest contrast as a reference contrast;
Further realized,
In the focus order setting function, the focus order for the sub-objects is set in ascending order of the difference between the reference contrast and the contrast of the focus setting sheet image, and the object to be finally focused is the main object. The focus order for the main object is set so that
The game program according to claim 2. In the sub-object selection function, at least one of an object closest to an extension line of a line connecting the virtual camera and the main object, and an object closest to the line between the virtual camera and the object Or one object is selected as the sub-object,
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A game device capable of displaying a situation in which an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera,
A control unit of the game device,
A main object setting means for setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera among the objects;
From the virtual camera in the visual field of the virtual camera when the virtual object is focused on the main object, the object existing at a position close to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more with reference to the main object Sub-object selecting means for selecting at least one object among the objects existing at positions separated by a predetermined distance or more as a sub-object;
A focus order setting means for setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and the at least one sub-object;
With
In the focus order setting means, the focus order is set in the order of the at least one sub-object and the main object so that the object to be finally focused becomes the main object.
Game device. A game control method that can be controlled by a computer capable of displaying a situation where an object in a virtual space is photographed by a virtual camera,
A control unit of the computer,
A main object setting step of setting, as a main object, an object that finally adjusts the focus of the virtual camera from among the objects;
From the virtual camera in the visual field of the virtual camera when the virtual object is focused on the main object, the object existing at a position close to the virtual camera side by a predetermined distance or more with reference to the main object A sub-object selection step of selecting at least one object among the objects existing at positions separated by a predetermined distance or more as a sub-object;
A focus order setting step for setting a focus order for focusing the virtual camera on the main object and the at least one sub-object;
Run
In the focus order setting step, the focus order is set in the order of the at least one sub-object and the main object so that an object to be finally focused becomes the main object.
Game control method.

Images